33 and blessed

I turned 33 today. It’s a bit surreal as I’m officially venturing into my mid-thirties. In my late teens and early 20s, I was always a bit terrified of getting older. Growing responsibilities and adulting just didn’t seem that fun to me. Like most people do, I guess I just grew up a bit and I’m now enjoying the process of getting older and wiser.

I feel like every year of growing older feels like exponential knowledge and growth. You know more and mature, and then life somehow gets a bit easier because you do. Suddenly, a lot of life’s problems aren’t as big of a deal as they were when I was in my 20s. I love that feeling.

Of course, not all is rosy. I’m tired all the time. My body is constantly stiff or sore. I feel like I have future (minor) health issues starting to pick up. I miss the limitless energy of my 20s. I do occasionally miss the 4am nights out with friends. All that said, growing older is definitely much better than I thought it would be in my 20s.

While I occasionally joke about wishing I was in my 20s at times, I am incredibly blessed. I’m surrounded by amazing family and friends that care about me. I am in good health. I have a job that brings fulfillment into my life. I am happily married to someone who I want to start a family with.

I don’t take any of these things for granted. I know how lucky I am to have the life that I do. I’ll spend my day relaxing, eating good food, and practicing some gratitude. As my friend Erica’s dad used to say, “we are so lucky to be here today”.